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Share on Pinterest Inflammation in the meninges, the brain’s protective barrier, may contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis. Image credit: Dimitri Otis/Getty Images New research suggests that inflammation in the meninges , the brain’s protective barrier, may extend into the grey matter and contribute to the development of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers used innovative techniques to demonstrate a gradient of immune genes and markers of inflammation extending from the meninges to the adjacent brain tissue in mice. While the study sheds light on the mechanisms of brain damage in MS, limitations in spatial resolution and the use of a mouse model demonstrate that further investigations using human samples are needed. A new study — whose findings appear in eLife as a reviewed preprint — used innovative techniques to demonstrate a gradient of immune genes and markers of inflammation, extending from the meninges to the neighboring brain tissue in mice. The Heal...

Share on Pinterest Older people with a vitamin D deficiency have higher levels of inflammation, a new study has found. Image credit: Guille Faingold/Stocksy. Inflammation is the mechanism by which the body responds to and fights infection. However, chronic, or long-term, inflammation is associated with many diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and dementia. Age, obesity, poor diet, and smoking increase the risk of chronic inflammation. A new study has added to growing evidence of a link between vitamin D deficiency and inflammation. The researchers suggest that, in older adults, vitamin D supplements may help reduce the risk of many inflammatory diseases. Acute inflammation occurs in response to tissue damage, infection, or allergens , and is a necessary part of the body’s defenses. It occurs rapidly and generally lasts up to a few days. Chronic inflammation, however, can last for months or even years. It can be caused by triggers including : infection that...